In the softball qualifying league of the Tokyo Olympics, Japan decided to advance to the final with four consecutive wins in eight goodbyes against Canada on the 25th, and confirmed the silver medal or higher.


The final hit was Eri Yamada, a 37-year-old captain.

Of the 15 members, Yukiko Ueno, the ace, and Yukiyo Mine, the catcher, are one of the three who know the gold medal of the Beijing Olympics 13 years ago.


The veteran who wears the same "uniform number 11" as 13 years ago and pulls the team is prepared to put out everything he has accumulated so far in order to aim for the gold medal again.

"I'm glad. Don't cry yet. I understand your feelings."


Captain Eri Yamada who settled the game that was involved in overtime.


At the opening in the coverage area immediately after the game, I answered the interview team with a smile like this.



Before the Tokyo Olympics, which is regarded as the culmination of athletes' lives, he said, "The flow of the team will change depending on whether or not you produce results. You must take responsibility."



However, while the team won the qualifying league three times in a row, Yamada was in a bad condition with only one hit until the day before.

In addition, the record was a hit in the second game against Mexico, which was involved in overtime, but the liner in front of the center could not be caught, which led to a goal and there were scenes of tears after the game.



Yamada said, "I was scared and scared. The more Olympic games I played, the more scared I thought it was." He talked about his frank thoughts.

And in the match against Canada on the 25th, Yamada started in 7th place.


In the 8th inning, when he hit two hits with his skillful bat control, he hit back in front of the center as if he had a chance to bases loaded, leading to Japan's advance to the final.

Director Reika Utsugi was more than happy with Yamada's success.


That's because I knew that the 24th was the anniversary of Yamada's father's death.


"I know my dad very well. That's why I want her to hit me. Yesterday, too. I hit it and now I'm putting up with tears."



"Yamada" "I want to win this day somehow

."

I was looking up at the sky several times. I've been annoying all the time, so I'll definitely help if everyone really helped me. "

Pitcher Ueno, who has been leading the Japanese national team for many years, also expressed his unchanging sense of trust.


《Ueno》 “I was happy that the mountain decided it. I was very happy that the person who should decide at the end decided it. I want to fight so that each other will not betray the years. "

《Yamada》 “I'm glad that I was able to connect as a result because I was standing here with the help of various people. Only how I can contribute to the team until the very end.”



Two games left to the long-sought gold medal.


I am prepared to put out everything I have accumulated for 13 years.